About twenty years and (suspiciously) twenty kilograms ago, I myself set foot in the Netherlands as a wide-eyed foreign student, ready for adventure. As a young foreign student, diving into life abroad was a wild ride. From day one, I faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture: navigating customs, languages, and norms. The initial excitement quickly gave way to confusion (and frustration)—a classic case of culture shock. Let me share some with you.

1. Birthday bash blunder
   So, picture this: I’m all geared up for my buddy’s birthday drinks. Got the invite, grabbed a gift, and made my way to the bar to toast to another year of our dear friend getting older. But plot twist! When the party’s over and the bill arrives, suddenly we’re all playing “Let’s Split the Check”! Oh, the joys of celebrating, right? I so got schooled on the whole ‘going Dutch’ phenomenon.
   
   
2. Train troubles
   Ever been fashionably late not because you’re pulling a “basically Indonesian” move, but simply because you’re clueless about the different types of trains? Yeah, no? Picture me, studying in Utrecht but living it up in Amsterdam. For a good two months, I was the epitome of a train newbie, jumping aboard the first train without a clue that certain ones could get me to my destination faster. Checking, you say? Nah, didn’t even cross my mind—I just assumed that’s how it worked. It wasn’t until my study counselor called me out two months later for my perpetual tardiness that I finally got schooled on the whole Intercity vs. Sprinter situation. Oopsie!
   
   
3. Bureaucracy blues
   Okay, so imagine this: I’m off to another city, minding my own business, when I get pickpocketed, train ticket and all. Mind you, we’re talking pre-digital era here, back when dinosaurs were still doing their thing. Being the law-abiding citizen that I am, I do the responsible thing and flag down the train conductor before boarding to let him know what went down. His response? A casual “No worries, hop on board.”
   
   
   Fast forward to halfway through the journey, it’s ticket check time, and guess who’s on the receiving end of a fine from the same conductor? Yours truly. But hold up a second! Didn’t I just spill my sad story to him earlier? His calm explanation: “No ticket, no ride without a fine. But fear not, you can always appeal and explain the situation—I’m sure you’ll get your money back.” Lesson learned: even with a sob story, it’s still gonna cost you. Keep smiling and pay up, folks!
   
   
4. Dinner date dashed!
   You know that feeling when you’re knee-deep in an assignment at a friend’s place, and suddenly, it’s dinnertime? Oh yeah, been there too. So, my classmate’s mom calls them down for dinner, and naturally, I’m thinking, “Score! Dinner time!”
   
   My sweet, sweet classmate already told me that it was totally fine for me to just chill in their room if I wanted to, but it never occurred to me at that moment that it was a clever way to spare me from dinnerless doom. Being the poor student that I was, there was no way I would turn down a free meal!
   
   As I make my way downstairs, anticipating a feast, try to picture my calm and collected face when my friend’s mom bids me adieu with a sweet wave and a “See you next time!” Well, there’s nothing left to say but, “Indomie kari ayam, my soul mate, I’m coming home to you…”
   
   
   And there you have it, folks! A slice of my life as a hungry, unsuspecting foreign student navigating the twists and turns of culture shock. Who knows what adventures await us in the next chapter? Until then, Indomie kari ayam, my friends!